Kono Oto Tomare [Chapter 86 - A New Path]

A small van parks in front of Michi’s house. A man gets down the van and takes his koto out. Inside, Michi scolds his siblings for making the room quite messy. “Didn’t I say that in a while, we’ll have a guest coming today!” Momo asks who is it.

Michi says that it is someone they don’t know. Ding Dong. Michi exclaims, coming! Momo and Aki rush towards the door and shout that they’ll open the door. Michi can only helplessly call out to them. The two kids open the door and shouts, “Hello-!!!”

The man laughs and says that they’re quite lively. Momo asks who he is. Aki exclaims, ah, that, it’s a koto! The man says that they clearly know what it is. They ask him, “Do you also play the koto!? Our brother also play-”

Michi calls out to his siblings. The man looks up and waves at Michi, “Long time no see, young Sakai!” Michi slightly smiles at Keishi. Flashback: Yesterday night, Akira came home and says, she’s back.

With sparkles, Keishi went to greet her, “Akira- Welcome back my beloved younger sister. =P Do you want to eat first or take a bath first? Or--” Akira said, brother... Keishi blushed as he is surprised that she called him brother.

Akira said, “No, there’s something... that I want to ask a favor of...” Sparkling wide-eyed Keishi said, “I understand. Leave it up to me. Leave it up to your brother.” Akira told him that she hasn’t even said anything yet.

In tears, Keishi hugged Akira and exclaims, “What are you saying, Akira! It has been such a long time since you asked something of me! It doesn’t matter what you’ll ask of me, my imouto [younger sister]!”

Akira recalled the time when she told her brother that he is already someone who gave up on koto so please don’t casually enter this world again. She clung on to his shirt.

She said, “--…ko...koto... I want to ask you to coach a student to study koto! *Keishi looks surprised* ...obviously, I told you before not to casually enter this side... I know that I’m very willful but... *looks down* I really need your help, brother...”

Keishi called out to her. Akira looked at him and saw him smiling. He said, “I understand. Leave it up to me!” Akira replied, thank you, brother... End flashback. Keishi kneels in front of a koto and asks if this is the koto borrowed from Chika. “Really such an amazing koto!”

Michi confesses that it is quite scary to leave it here. Keishi chuckles and agrees with him. Michi apologizes for making him specially come to his house to...

Happily waving his hand, Keishi tells him that it is totally alright. “Besides, I also haven’t played for a period of time so I don’t know whether I will be of help or not! And, I’m really happy! After hearing that sparkling koto sound during the National qualifiers, I unexpectedly can have a part in participating [in it]...”

Michi blushes a bit. Aki asks Keishi if he can play the koto. Keishi rubs his nose and says ah, a little bit! He smiles and touches the koto. He closes his eyes then opens them again. He happily turns to Michi and shouts, “Okay! Let’s quickly start! Sakai!” Michi exclaims, “Yes!!”

At the school roof during lunch, Sane and Kouta exclaim in disbelief, “Akira-sensei’s brother?” Michi says yes, he came to my house yesterday and it is a one-on-one coaching. Sane exclaims if that is for real. Kouta exclaims that’s great and asks how is it.

Michi says about that, Keishi plays really well and he is quite charming [/humorous]. “His teaching method is totally different from Akira-sensei. But, I’m still not quite good in playing repeatedly using the thumb.” Kouta says it’s the same for him, it’s very difficult.

Flashback: Keishi told Michi that the movement of his thumb is still a bit stiff. Michi asked is that so. Keishi said no, even if he can properly play it but does he find it really hard to play it?

Michi confessed that his fingers have no way of turning [strung strings up and down] nimbly. “But then perhaps, it is because my fingers are very thick [fat] that it is already at its limit...” Keishi exclaimed that there’s no such thing. “Will you let me?” Michi said okay.

Playing the strings up and down, Keishi says that right now he plays like this. “The thumb is moving back and forth in a straight line. Even if that is okay but because doing it once [one way], it will stop like this. [Up and then stop at down before moving up again]...

...The force in plucking the string will disappear so you’ll exert extra strength which makes it difficult to play. It is like when you are boxing. *stretches fist forward and back* It is also very tiring if you continuously throw a punch...

...So, my way of playing is like this! *plays the strings in a circular motion with his thumb* The thumb will use a light circular pattern to play it! *circling his arm around* Look, if it is a ‘circle’, the movement and continuity will be more smooth...

...And, one doesn’t have to apply extra strength into it. It is like I’m regularly using a ‘draw a circle method of playing’. Of course, accordingly, the hand shape is different so there will be a change...

... So, when you’re free, try to practice your thumb in moving this way, okay. *moves thumb in a circular way* As long as this part becomes soft, I think the movement will obviously become smooth.”

Michi happily exclaims, ah, that’s amazing. “I’ve learned something!” Keishi says that for the time being, his playing koto experience is comparatively more than Michi’s. “I will give to you all that I know but there’s one thing I hope that you’ll remember. That is ‘Maybe I’m not absolutely correct’.”

Michi is puzzled. Keishi explained, “There are thousands and hundreds kind of people so regardless of the skill of playing or perhaps the way of teaching so it isn’t definite if it will suit you or not. So, next, take everything I’ll teach you and I hope that you’ll understand that it is ‘also this kind of way’...

...By all means, do not stop pondering [about it]. At all times, use your own head in confronting the koto and [its] music. *smiles* This is my teaching condition, okay?” Michi blushed and sparkled over what Keishi said. End flashback.

Sane, Kouta and Chika are in sparkles. Kouta exclaims that’s so cool~~ Sane exclaims that no wonder he’s Akira’s brother! Kouta exclaims, ‘drawing a circle way of playing’ huh- It feels so amazing and so cool!

Sane says, “but then, for you to say that, I always used that draw a circle method of playing...! “I didn’t notice it before.” Chika says that it is the same with him. Michi exclaims that it turns out that they were doing it earlier on!

While the three guys are circling their thumbs, they tell him that they also practice this during class. Tetsuki calls them out for that, hey. Rubbing his nose, Michi says, “In short, that’s how it is. I’ll study with Keishi-san. Perhaps, there will be an evolution that is beyond one’s imagination.”

The other looks surprised then they smile. Sane says that is what he said. “Good, let’s have a bet! I bet you’ll increase weight due to cola!” Michi exclaims evolving in that aspect!? Kouta squeals that if he’ll increase weight, in the end, it will be due to ginger ale soda♪

Michi tells him not to act cute. Chika says that perhaps he’ll become fat due to strawberry au lait [\milk]. Michi shouts, like hell I will [/yeah right]!! Michi laughs and says, “Ha. I’ll quickly make you guys see how I will evolve into super Michi!! “Then, I’m off to afternoon practice! Ah ha ha”

Sane and Kouta quickly finishes their food. Sane shouts that’s unfair!! Kouta shouts that they’ll also go!! They bid Tetsuki goodbye. Before leaving, Chika thanks Tetsuki for the so many things this time around, and he has been a great help.

Tetsuki looks surprised. He asks what’s up so suddenly. “Is it going to rain strawberries today?” Chika excitedly asks what is that, isn’t that so amazing. Chika smiles. Tetsuki smiles back and waves him off. Chika turns to leave.

At the faculty room, a phone is ringing. A woman answers the phone. “Kanagawa perfecture’s Tokize High, hello. ...yes, -eh!? ...Ah, okay, please wait a moment. *covering the mouthpiece* Vice-principal! It’s a phone call for you.” The vice-principal asks who is it. The woman says, ah, it’s, it’s Kanagawa TV station...?

Back at the club room, everyone is looking gloomy and aghast upon hearing their recorded performance from Suzuka’s phone. After the music ended, Suzuka says okay, that is your current performance. Someone gloomily asks if that is for real—

Sane says, “Heavens, I thought that it would more or less sound a bit cool.” Covering his face, Kouta says that it was all messed up from start to finish. Chika says that isn’t their performance.

Michi tells Chika to clearly look at reality. Hiro says that she actually thought that the beat was played faster...in the end, it’s so slow. Takezou agrees.

To everyone’s aghast, Satowa bluntly says that she even wanted to say that everyone can probably already play [it]...in the end, she totally cannot even call it a piece. “But then, all in all, there are 9 sound divisions. As long as there is a little bit of deviation then it will become a huge catastrophe...”

Hiro says that bit of consolation is basically totally useless. Atsumu asks if it is really that terrible. Natsu asks if he’s serious. Takezou says anyway, for now, let’s first summarize the issue at hand. “I’ll put a bit more effort in the starting solo.” Chika says that means, the current one is too ordinary. Takezou looks aghast.

Satowa tells Chika that he has to think a lot more about how to enter at the start. Chika angrily says what did she say. Michi says that the time they are entering in is also quite messed up and it is very disorderly.

Looking at his picks, Chika complains that at the first half, it is still quite bad when he plucks at a part in high speed. “Even if the movement would be smoother [/easier] if I keep my hand flat but the finger would immediately go up that I couldn’t play out a forceful sound. So, basically, the times when I missed a sound is becoming quite a lot.”

Satowa asks if the pick is already worn out. “Let me see it.” Chika holds out his hand to her and says, here. Holding his fingers, Satowa tells him to look, in the end, the corner of his picks had worn out that it had become round already—

Chika looks surprised then instinctively pulls his hand away from Satowa. This surprises the two. While Suzuka, Hiro and Sane are watching them, Satowa asks what’s up with him. Chika says ah, ah...defensive instinct. Satowa gloomily asks what he thinks of her. [<- something like a predator]

Couldn’t believe that Chika pulled away his hand, Satowa says in short, try exchanging the index finger’s pick with the middle finger’s pick. “See if you can play a bit better, okay?” Chika says okay. Natsu says that there is also about Atsumu who alone plays the classical part. “His koto playing keeps on floating away! It is better to think of something about it.”

This shocks Atsumu that he mutters, ‘floating away’. Natsu tells him yes, it feels that he is playing a different piece. Nervous Atsumu is puzzled because he is playing based on the music sheet...

While Suzuka quietly looks on, Natsu says that playing according to the music sheet is simply the most fundamental part. Everyone looks surprised. Takezou says in short, regarding Atsumu’s part, they’ll have to wait for Akira to teach him one-on-one. Atsumu says okay.

Sane says, “Besides that, about the solo parts that was mentioned earlier, right now, we are to go and play it in accordance to our respective analysis of the piece, right? But, in the end, isn’t it better to properly discuss the creative concept [/artistic mood] part?” Michi agrees with him.

Hiro asks Suzuka if he has this ‘I hope that you guys will play like this’-type of thinking. “After all, you are the composer.” Suzuka says he doesn’t have any. Chika, Sane and Michi angrily shouts that it is impossible that there is none!! “While composing, there’s visualization and mood. You definitely have to have it!!!”

Suzuka says that he wants them to use their own respective analysis that they had come up with and play that out in the solo. “If I were to make you guys play in accordance to what I think then that isn’t a bit interesting at all. You go figure it out yourselves.” This made everyone embarrassed and says that since he says it that way...

Suzuka continues, “But, if I were to say my impression of the currently played solo, it is ‘No matter who played that part, it is pretty much quite boring. *the others were shock since he said it that way* If this keeps up, the audience and the judges will definitely fall asleep. Actually, I would also fall asleep.”

Hiro scolds Suzuka, a big idiot!! Chika shouts if he doesn’t have a different suggestion!! Suzuka says that this is already a very good suggestion. Someone says, then at least, everyone-- And they continue on their meeting.

At the principal’s office, the vice principal has given the principal a paper to read. The principal says, so that’s how it is. “This is really a good idea. Like this, the students will also be very happy. For my part, there’s no problem. Afterwards, we’ll have to get Takinami-sensei, the students and their guardians’ required permission.”

The vice principal thanks him and says that he’ll deal with it quickly. The vice smiling principal turns to leave. The principal smiles while looking at the flyer. The flyer is about ‘Youth! Give Support [cheering team] to Working Hard Students!’ by Kanagawa TV station.

To held on Saturday 1700-1745 with live streaming [on the internet]. Program contents: Collect material from upright youths who has a deep commitment towards one’s club and studying talented students. Will follow them around as all sorts of stories happen!

Plan contents: Follow the youths who faced the possible disbandment of their koto club to miraculous attainment of playing at the Nationals! Discussion contents: Possible data collecting time as well as regarding the time period’s—

Comment: And, it is indeed Keishi who’ll teach Michi. It is really nice that he got another opportunity to play koto again. It is also nice that Akira took back what she said before and asked for his help. Hehe, of course, he’ll do everything for her after everything that has happened before and he has a sister complex.

I guess because of the unconventional method of how Keishi taught Michi, their grandmother decided that Akira will be the one who’ll succeed their school rather than Keishi who has the talent. Keishi isn’t into the traditional stuff.

I think Keishi can teach those who are easily aren’t really into koto. Rather, who don’t plan on becoming professionals. He is also open-minded about different ways of teaching and playing. With a personal coach, Michi is now quite confident that he’ll be a better player afterwards. And, that pushes the friendly competition between the guys.

For Chika to thank Tetsuki, it does seem rare as if something is going to happen later on. Something like a red flag. ^^; And, apparently, their playing isn’t that good yet. Aside from the timing of ‘entering’, they still don’t have an idea on how to interpret the piece.

Suzuka isn’t exactly helping but then, he is giving them hints. They would have to brainstorm on this later on. And, we have a bit of romance here. Chika is now acting how Satowa was before...iirc. I don’t know what the others are thinking though Suzuka surely has figured it out. I guess Satowa’s rival is/are strawberries ^^;  

About the TV program, it will definitely reach out to a wide audience. And, it would most likely reach out the people from Chika’s past. I’m guessing that it is either the friend-gangster or father or both? The vice-principal is happy about looking good in this program.

The principal seems to have something in mind other than the good publicity of the koto members...or, I’m over thinking it? I’m wondering how long the TV crew will follow the group.

Hopefully, it won’t distract them but then, perhaps through this program, they’ll get an idea regarding their solos since it would focus on nostalgia of how they came here today and the last time they can play in the Nationals together. Scans by 夕遠SEKI

Word of the day:

You’ll never know what can be done until you try to do it. ‘The people had a mind to work. Nehemiah 4:6) ~ Mottos for Success by M.S. Fontaine